The Federal Government and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Tuesday differed over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the state.
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While the governor claimed the state was losing ground to the terrorists, citing the recent attacks on military formations, killings and abductions of residents, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, argued the security agencies are working round-the-clock to bring the situation in parts of Borno State under control.
On March 24, Boko Haram militants launched attacks on two military formations in Borno State, targeting an army base in Wajirko, Damboa Local Government Area, and another in Wulgo, Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area.
Some of the insurgents were killed during the attacks while the troops were dislodged from their bases.
Also, at least two soldiers were feared dead, and others sustained injuries when a convoy, including the newly deployed Brigade Commander of ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ struck landmines along the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road.
In January, at least 40 farmers were reportedly killed in the Dumba community in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province.
Also, many others were believed to have been kidnapped by the insurgents during the attack.
Referencing the attacks, and against the backdrop of his financial support for the military, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with the security situation in the state.
However, the information minister disagreed with the governor’s assertion, noting that the synergy in the operations of the security agencies, especially in the last two years, and the massive investment in hardware and other equipment underscored the seriousness with which the Federal Government attached to the issue.
He stated, ‘’The Tinubu administration is committed to eradicating acts of banditry and terrorism across the country. The successes achieved by the security agencies in the last 18 months are an indication that, indeed, Nigeria is gradually returning to normalcy.
“Government calls on all, especially the sub-national governments to join hands to ensure rapid eradication of the remaining pockets of criminal elements wherever they may be.’’
The Defence Headquarters, in its reaction, said troops are making a lot of sacrifices and doing their best to ensure peace returns to Borno and other troubled states in the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye said the efforts of the troops in the ongoing fight against terrorism should be commended.
He said, “The military is sacrificing a lot, and our efforts should be appreciated. We are doing our best. We are doing what we are supposed to do, and we are still doing it.”
But addressing the Special Expanded Security Meeting at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Tuesday, Zulum said his administration has been supportive of the military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists, resulting in relative peace in the last three years.
In attendance at the meeting was the General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies and traditional rulers.
Zulum said, “As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground.”
Zulum lamented that the recent attacks and dislodgment of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in the Damboa LGA, Wulgo in the Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in the Gwoza LGA, among others, and the killings of civilians and security operatives is a cause for concern.
He stated, “As you are all aware, my administration has been very supportive of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to relative peace in the last three years.
‘’It is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killing of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern, and it is a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the North-East region”
He added, “In as much as Borno Government under my leadership commend the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram, more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to stem the tide of renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the sahelian Borno which shares international borders with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.”
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, hailed the security agencies, but emphasized that Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam LGAs and some parts of Mobbar LGA are still under Boko Haram’s control.
He said most of these communities are without civil authority while calling for proactive measures to tame the resurgence before it escalates.
Reacting to Zulum’s statement, Brig Gen Peter Aro (retd.) said the outcry by the governor is both timely and revealing.
He noted, “Coming from the chief executive of the state most affected by insurgency for over a decade, his admission that “Borno is losing ground” cannot and must not be ignored, especially when it starkly contradicts the Federal Government’s ongoing narrative that Nigeria is winning the war on terror.’’
Aro noted that Zulum’s assertion reflected the security realities, especially in the hinterlands of the state.
While strategic corridors and urban centres like Maiduguri have seen relative calm, the rural communities in Bama, Gwoza, Marte, Ngala, and Kukawa have continued to witness frequent attacks, abductions, and killings.
He added, “These are not just isolated incidents, they are part of a sustained offensive by terrorists who feel emboldened by local vulnerabilities and policy inconsistencies.
“If after over a decade of warfare, terrorists can invade communities, abduct school children, raid farmers, and block highways, then claims of victory are not only misleading, they are dangerous. There is no victory in propaganda while citizens die in silence.
“One of the reasons for their resurgence could be attributed to policy contradictions: Reintegration without consequences. What makes the situation more complex and tragic is the uncritical reintegration of “repentant” Boko Haram fighters into communities that still bear the scars of their atrocities.
‘’Under Governor Zulum’s administration, thousands of insurgents have been rehabilitated and returned to society with little to no accountability.
“Some of them even return to the same towns they once attacked. How can victims feel safe, or justice be done, when those who razed villages, raped women, and killed civilians are welcomed back with open arms and starter packs? Rehabilitation without consequences emboldens impunity. It is not restorative justice, it is political theatre.”
Aro called for punitive punishment for captured terrorists to deter would-be criminals.
Retired DIG Adedayo Adeoye said the alarm raised by the governor should not be treated with kid gloves.
He called for the deployment of air and ground troops in the state to stop the terrorists.
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